EP4045274A1

EP4045274A1 - Component for an extrusion line

Info

Publication number: EP4045274A1
Application number: EP20793299.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Heinrich Dohmann; Henning Stieglitz
Original assignee: Battenfeld Cincinnati Germany GmbH
Current assignee: Battenfeld Cincinnati Germany GmbH
Priority date: 2019-10-15
Filing date: 2020-10-13
Publication date: 2022-08-24
Also published as: WO2021074170A1; DE102019127707A1; CN114630744A; CN114630744B

Abstract

The invention relates to a component of an extrusion line, in particular a tool (2) or a part thereof, wherein said component (8) is provided in particular for cooling the melt and/or for homogenizing the melt and/or for distributing the melt, said component (8) having a complex design and consisting of a plurality of individual parts. According to the invention, the component (8) is designed to be computer-supported, computer-supported production data prevail for the component (8) and the component (8) is additively manufactured on the basis of said data, wherein the thus manufactured component (8) fulfills at least one of the following functionalities: uniform distributing of the melt over the circumference; thermal homogenizing of the melt over the circumference; mechanical homogenizing of the melt over the circumference; cooling of the melt over the circumference; holding a supporting element for the inner displacement of the melt. The invention furthermore relates to an associated method.

Description

Component for an extrusion line

Description:

The invention relates to a component of an extrusion line, in particular a tool or a part thereof, this component being provided in particular for cooling the melt and / or for homogenizing the melt and / or for distributing the melt, this component being complex and consist of a large number of individual parts. The invention also relates to an associated method. Such devices are known from the prior art.

For example, a device for distributing plastic mass in an extrusion tool, in particular a pipe extrusion tool, comprising one or more flow channels with at least one melt inlet and one melt outlet, at least one cooling element being arranged in the flow channel between the melt inlet and the melt outlet, The plastic mass can flow around the cooling element, a forced distribution element being arranged radially in the flow channel for fine distribution of the melt, the cooling element being arranged in or on the forced distribution element, described in DE 102010 051 732 A1.

For the production of pipes, it is necessary to transform the cylindrical plastic melt flow generated by an extruder with the aid of a subsequent tool into an annular gap-shaped melt flow. For this it is important that the melt flow coming from the extruder in the tool is transferred into the corresponding ring flow through a centrally arranged dome. Such a device is proposed in DE 103 15906. Today, short extrusion lines are often required. This can only be achieved if the cooling of the extruded profiles is optimized. In the best case, the melt is already cooled down in the mold to such an extent that it can still be deformed, but the melt temperature is significantly lower than after it left the extruder.

DE 102007 050291 proposes a division of the melt in the tool, the individual strands are cooled and then merged again.

From the prior art, EP 0593892 A1 also discloses a profile tool for extruders with individually controllable temperature control elements that influence the flow behavior of the material. The tempering elements are arranged downstream of the screw of the extruder and upstream of the profiling area of the tool in the flow channel of the material in such a way that the temperature of the extruded material can be increased in selected zones of the cross section. This makes it possible to influence the wall thickness of the profile even with complicated cross-sections and with different profile-giving parts that are not fitted with tempering elements.

DE 103 15906 A1 discloses a device for distributing plastic mass in an extrusion tool, in particular a pipe extrusion tool, comprising a melt inlet and at least one melt outlet, with a pre-distribution element and then a fine distribution element being arranged between the melt inlet and the melt outlet, it is provided that the pre-distribution element is designed as a mandrel and comprises a main channel which is connected to at least one secondary channel, the secondary channel running out helically in the circumferential surface of the dome. However, all these tools are technically difficult to manufacture, since a large number of individual parts have to be produced in a complex manner and then connected to one another in a very complex manner. Complex cooling channels have to be brought together in a structure with several channels and "fused" to form an overall component. Internal parts that are surrounded by melt and are intended to cool them must in turn be connected to external parts in such a way that a cooling medium can flow through them. In this case, however, no cooling medium flowing through the cooling channels should get into the melt, the connections shown must therefore be absolutely tight, which is technically feasible due to the complexity and the associated difficult accessibility of the points to be connected.

The aim of the invention is to simplify the production of complex components in extrusion technology in such a way that manufacturing costs and production time of the components can be minimized, as well as a corresponding method.

The solution to the problem is characterized in connection with the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the component is constructed with computer support, computer-aided manufacturing data prevail for the component and the component is additively manufactured on the basis of this data, with the component manufactured in this way at least fulfills one of the following functionalities: uniform distribution of the melt over the circumference, thermal homogenization of the melt over the circumference, mechanical homogenization of the melt over the circumference, cooling of the melt over the circumference, holding a load-bearing element for the internal displacement of the melt . There are a large number of components that can be produced according to the invention. It can therefore be, for example, a melt cooler, a spiral distributor, a combination of both or any other combination.

It is essential that components can be produced with the invention which can cover at least the functionalities set out in claim 1 or a combination of these.

Computer-aided manufacturing data is generated from the components designed with the aid of CAD, which are now used for the additive manufacturing of the components, similar to the production of parts using CNC machines. In additive manufacturing, material is applied layer by material layer, creating a three-dimensional object.

Using additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, very complex components can be produced, since access to connection points does not have to be taken into account when assembling individual components. The conventional consideration of the manufacturability of the component also no longer plays a role, since any design, no matter how complex, can be produced using this method.

The solution with regard to the method is proposed, for the production of a component for an extrusion line, to design the component with computer support and to generate computer-aided manufacturing data therefrom in order to produce the component additively on the basis of this data, the component thus manufactured at least one of the following Functions fulfilled: even distribution of the melt over the fang, thermal homogenization of the melt over the circumference, mechanical homogenization over the circumference, cooling of the melt over the circumference.

According to a further development, for the production of a component for an extrusion line, the component is structurally modified via computer-aided simulations until the extrusion process is optimized, before the computer-aided manufacturing data are generated.

The flow behavior of the melt and / or the degree of homogenization of the melt and / or the residence time of the melt in corner areas of the component are advantageously examined in the simulation.

So the design is changed and a simulation of the flow behavior of the melt is examined again and again until as many of the functions described above are achieved in the best possible way. Further advantageous developments of the device and of the method are given in the subclaims.

In the drawings, a device according to the invention is shown schematically:

Figure 1 shows a typical extrusion line

2 shows a longitudinal section through a component according to the invention

3 shows a section through the component according to the invention. Sectional course in Figure 2

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment to FIG. 3

5 shows an alternative embodiment of the component in the extrusion tool

6 shows the component alone

7 shows the view of FIG. 6 without partition walls

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged detail from FIG. 6

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged section of FIG. 7

10 shows the detail of FIG. 8 as a partial section

11 shows the detail of FIG. 6 in a further part

FIG. 1 shows a typical extrusion line as it is used today for profile extrusion, regardless of whether it is for the production of window profiles or pipes. It shows an extruder 1 in which plastic is melted and continuously conveyed into the extrusion tool 2 for shaping. This is followed by a calibration and Cooling station 3 on Depending on the profile, additional cooling stations can be used. After the cooling stations, there is an extraction device 4. In order to cut the endless profiles 6 to the desired length, a separating device 5 is then arranged. The extrusion axis is marked with position number 7.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a section through a component 8 according to the invention which is manufactured additively. The component 8weißt a melt zekanal 17 on which extends from the melt inlet 14 to the melt outlet 20. A load-bearing element 13, here a mandrel in an extrusion tool, displaces the melt inside the component 8 so that it is distributed over the circumference in such a way that it is fed to a mixing and cooling structure 16. The load-bearing element 13 is arranged in the component 8 on the mixing and cooling structure 16 and is thus held in the interior of the component 8. The connection point 15 is named here as a separate item number for the sake of clarity, due to the additive manufacturing process it is not a connection in the traditional sense, but is made in one piece. The melt is guided through the mixing and cooling structure 16, where it is thermally and mechanically homogenized and cooled. The mixing and cooling structure 16 has cooling channels 9 around which the melt flows. The cooling channels 9 have an inlet 10 and an outlet 11 via which the cooling medium flows from the outside of the component 8 through the cooling channels 9. Different media such as water, air or special coolants are used as the cooling medium. The component 8 can be combined with other components via the flange 12 at the end. The course of the section for the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is marked by the dash-dot line.

FIG. 3 is a section through the schematic representation of the component 8 according to the sectional profile from FIG. 2. The first partial melt channel 18 extends from the melt inlet 14 over the melt channel 17 in the mixing and cooling structure 16 further via the second partial melt channel 19 to the melt outlet 20. The cooling channels 9 in the mixing and cooling structure 16 have an inlet 10 and an outlet 11 for a cooling medium. The extrusion axis is marked with position number 7.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the mixing and cooling structure 16; here, too, the same components are identified by the same reference characters. Extrusion technology is a frequently used method in the processing of plastics. This is a continuous process in which, in addition to other products, plastic pipes are also manufactured.

In pipe extrusion, it is known that a strand of melt is brought into the appropriate shape with the aid of a tool. The pre-formed melt tube must then be calibrated to the corresponding external diameter and cooled. The pipe created in this way is then pulled through the extrusion line with the aid of a caterpillar haul-off and then cut to the appropriate transport lengths by a cutting device.

The dimensional and optical quality of the pipe essentially depends on the quality of the pipe tool. The better the melt is distributed over the circumference and is thermally and mechanically homogeneous over the entire cross-section, the more evenly the pipe geometry and surface finish can be designed in the subsequent calibration and cooling process. Current mechanically producible melt distributors, mixing or cooling components can have the desired Execute properties only conditionally or only separately. Static mixers are known from the prior art, so Wikipedia, for example, compares structure and mode of operation and design as well as advantages and disadvantages. Static mixers have some advantages over dynamic mixers, as they do not take up much space and are cost-effective due to their design. The Sulzer type mixer is listed here as having a very compact design, in which the handle blades cross or are designed with a large number of crosspieces arranged like a framework. However, this design has high pressure losses.

Another static mixer is the Kenics mixer, Wikipedia explains here: “It consists of sheet metal twisted by 180 °. Each helix is offset by 90 ° to the previous one and has the opposite direction of rotation. ”This Kenics mixer design is the basis of a further alternative embodiment of component 8 and is described in more detail in FIGS. 5-11. This embodiment is a further development of known static pipe extrusion melt distributors, in which a temperature control option is also integrated in the tool.

FIG. 5 shows part of a section through the extrusion tool 2 along the extrusion axis 7, the melt channel extends from a first partial melt channel 18 via the component 8 according to the invention into the second partial melt channel 19 to the melt outlet 20. In FIG. 5a, the component 8 is shown enlarged. The component 8 has a mixing and cooling structure 16 which consists of a plurality of ribs 21. The direction of extrusion is indicated by item number 26.

Figure 6 shows this component 8 only in a three-dimensional view. Here, too, the ribs 21 of the mixing and cooling structure are closed io see, which are distributed over the entire circumference. There is a first area 22 and a second area 23 in which the ribs 21 are arranged. The two areas are in turn arranged equidistant from one another and the ribs 21 in the first area 22 are offset from the ribs 21 in the second area 23. The individual areas are separated from one another by partition walls 25. Here, too, the direction of extrusion is denoted by position number 26.

In FIG. 7, the component 8 is again shown, the partition walls 25, which separate the areas 22 and 23 from one another, being masked out here to clarify the twisted ribs 21.

It should also be mentioned that further areas can also be arranged equidistant from areas 22 and 23. It is not necessary here that the degree of rotation of the ribs 21 repeats, as is repeated in one area 22 or 23, it is decisive that the ribs 21 are rotated relative to the ribs in an adjacent area. The same applies to the twisting of the rib 21 itself; this degree of twisting can also vary from area to area. It can also be advantageous that the melt passing through the area is deliberately guided from one area to an adjacent area. In the exemplary embodiments described and illustrated, the partition walls 25 separating the areas are designed in such a way that the melt is prevented from overflowing. However, through the targeted introduction of holes or the setting up of one or more tabs, the transfer of the melt can be brought about deliberately. Mixing and / or homogenization is promoted as a result.

To clarify the structure itself, FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view A from FIG. 6; here, too, the twisted ribs 21 can be seen again, which are each arranged in the first area 22 and in the second area 23. As already described, the two areas are separated from one another by partition walls 25. FIG. 9 likewise shows an enlarged section B from FIG. 7, which shows the component 8 without the partition walls 25. The twisted ribs 21, which are arranged offset in the first region 22 with respect to the ribs 21 in the second region 23, can be clearly seen. The representation in accordance with FIG. 10 corresponds to the detail in accordance with FIG. 8, the component 8 being shown here cut open transversely to the extrusion direction 26. This sectional view shows that the ribs 21 have a cavity 24. FIG. 10a shows the sectioned component 8 and FIG. 10b shows an enlarged detail of this. The design of the ribs 21 with a cavity 24 has the advantage that a cooling medium can flow through the ribs 21. Here, too, air, water, oil or other media suitable for cooling can be used as the cooling medium. Depending on the configuration of the connection to the cavities 24 of the ribs 21 by means of a central or several channel-like inlets, it is still possible to individually design the intensity of the cooling via the ribs 21 within the entire component 8 by making individual ribs 21 more o- which are less flowed through with the coolant. Here, too, the first area 22 and the second area 23 as well as the partition walls 25 can be seen.

FIG. 11 likewise shows a section through the component 8, a section along the explosion axis 26 being selected here. Here, too, the twisted ribs 21 in the areas 22 and 23 and the partition walls 25 can be seen again. It can be clearly seen that the ribs 21 have a cavity 24. This component according to the invention can be produced with new manufacturing technologies, such as the additive laser sintering process on metal powder, and has the following properties on the melt in the extrusion tool: · Even distribution of the melt over the circumference

• Thermal and mechanical homogenization over the entire cross-section

• Cooling of the melt in the tool

• Short dwell time spectrum (short color change times) · Moderate pressure build-up

List of reference symbols:

1 extruder 15 fixing of 13

2 extrusion die 16 mixing and cooling structure

3 Calibration and cooling tank 17 Melt channel 4 Discharge device 18 First partial melt channel

5 separation device from 14

6 Profile 19 Second partial melt channel for 20

7 extrusion axis

20 melt outlet

8 component of 2

21 ribs of 16 9 cooling channel in 8

25 22 First range of 16

10 Cooling medium inlet in 9

23 Second area of 16

11 Cooling medium outlet in 9

24 cavity in 21

12 connection flange

25 partition in 16

13 thorn

26 Direction of extrusion 14 Melt inlet

30th

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Component of an extrusion line, in particular a tool (2) or a part thereof, this component (8) being provided in particular for cooling the melt and / or for homogenizing the melt and / or for distributing the melt, wherein this component (8) builds complex and consists of a large number of individual parts, characterized in that the component (8) is constructed with computer support, computer-aided manufacturing data prevail for the component (8) and the component (8) is additively manufactured on the basis of this data is, wherein the component (8) manufactured in this way fulfills at least one of the following functionalities:

• Even distribution of the melt over the circumference

• thermal homogenization of the melt over the circumference

• Mechanical homogenization of the melt over the perimeter

• Cooling the melt over the circumference

• Holding a load-bearing element for the internal displacement of the melt

2. Component according to claim 1, characterized in that the construction part is a screen basket or a melt cooler or part of a Wen delverteilers.

3. Component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the component is a combination of screen basket and melt cooler.

4. Component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component is a combination of a strainer basket with a spiral distributor or a melt cooler with a spiral distributor or a strainer basket and spiral distributor.

5. Component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component comprises twisted ribs (21), the ribs (21) being evenly distributed over the circumference of the component, the ribs in at least two areas (22, 23 ) arranged and the ribs (21) in the first area (22) to the ribs (21) in the second area (23) are twisted.

6. Component according to claim 5, characterized in that the ribs (21) are designed as a hollow body with a cavity (24).

7. A method for manufacturing a component (8) for an extrusion line, the component (8) being constructed with computer assistance and from which computer-assisted manufacturing data are generated in order to additively manufacture the component (8) on the basis of this data, the component (8) manufactured in this way ( 8) fulfills at least one of the following functionalities:

• Even distribution of the melt over the circumference

• thermal homogenization of the melt over the perimeter

• Mechanical homogenization over the circumference

• Cooling the melt over the circumference

8. A method for producing a component (8) for an extrusion line according to claim 7, characterized in that the component (8) is structurally changed via computer-aided simulations until the extrusion process is optimized before the computer-aided production data is generated become.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the flow behavior of the melt and / or the degree of homogenization of the melt and / or the residence time of the melt in corner areas of the component (8) are examined in the simulation.

10. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that twisted ribs 21 influence the flow of the melt and these ribs 21 have a cavity 24 through which a cooling medium flows, the flow in the inlets to the cavities 24 of the Rip pen 21 are influenced by means, whereby the intensity of the cooling within the entire component 8 can be different.